Testimonials

Jessica H.“When I first started coming to see you, we discussed about my desire to travel and venture out, and a year and a half later, here I am moving to a different state, by myself, starting a new adventure. You helped me get to this point. For the first time in my life I feel like I am on the right path and I feel like an individual. When I first came in I felt lost and completely out of control of my life, and today I feel more wholesome than ever. I feel like I’ve found me. Thank you for guiding me into who I am today. If it weren’t for you, I think I would be a very lost soul still. You are a very wonderful soul and someone I consider a dear friend to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for who you are. I promise I’ll come visit!” - Jess H. Eleanor I.“Dear Ron: I don’t know if you are still in Virginia, or if you even remember me. Jim was a patient of your’s at L.I.J. It broke his heart when you left. He didn’t care much for doctors except for you. He spoke about you constantly even years after you left.

Anyway, Jim passed away in 2008, shortly after his Pudgie died. Jim was sick for 5 years, with Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, an aneurysm, angina, hypotension, and depression. However, he died of complications after a strangulated hernia operation. It was an emergency operation and they said his body would never take another operation. So, now he is at peace, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was in the process of cleaning his belongings when I found this letter from 1999, which he kept and cherished. It brought tears to my eyes and thought I would share this with you. I hope you and the family are still well and happy.”

Here is what I said in the original letter that I wrote to Jimmy I. on 11/24/99:

Dear Mr. I.:

It was great to hear from you last month! I’m glad to find out that you and Eleanor are doing well and that you’re still enjoying your work at Lenny’s Pizza. When you get to Vegas, roll the dice for me.

All is well with me and my family here in Virginia. I’m doing just fine in my new job, and we really love our home. Today is Thanksgiving and it’s great to be with family on the holidays.I’m not sure when I’ll next be in New York, but I know that it will be nice to see you if I am able to come up. Virginia sure is beautiful this time of year, especially with the leaves changing. Here’s wishing you and Eleanor the best during the Holidays. You have a great heart, Jimmy I. Keep that and everything will always work out.

God Bless and Peace,

Ron Jacobson Natalie F.“I don’t know the words to thank you for the time that you’ve invested in seeking answers for Scott and our family. Bless you for your compassion.”Susan L.“I just wanted to tell you ... Patrick said, “it’s funny, after spending just an hour with Jacobson I got more (suggestions) than all of my other sessions with Dr. “N.” He liked you - felt comfortable. So that’s good.”Jade S.“Dear Ron, I just wanted to take a quick moment to express my gratitude for your kindness and support over the last few months. Although I still have ups and downs, you have helped me (and in turn my family) to feel better and to look forward. I count your advice and your presence in my life as a true blessing. I hope the opportunity presents itself to return the kindness. Once again I just wanted to say “ thank you” for your dedication to and patience with me.”Martha J.“ One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” George Herbert.

“ I picked that quote because I feel that it portrays a large part of my life. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you’ve taught me. If I’m ever in any situation I can think back on the countless amount of things you have advised me on, and I feel just a little safer in my situation. Even when you’re not physically with me I still really carry you in my heart because you’ve delved a deep haven there. I am eternally grateful for this.

Dear Dr. Jacobson,

I’m not sure where to start, but maybe thank you would be a good place. I really have no idea how to express how much I appreciate you. It takes a lot in a person to make my day better. You make my weeks better. You’ve made me realize that things can and will get better. I’m seeing that sticking around will end up being worth it. When I feel as if no one has faith in me or believes in me, I think of you. Your confidence in me really helps. I not only feel like a human being again but I feel special. It means a lot to me that you like me and like talking to me, regardless if it is your job or not. You really are a great man with a great gift. I definitely look up to you in many ways. You mean more to me than I think you know. And, just so you know, I trust you 100% with my whole heart. So, as simple as this sounds, thank you. I mean it in every way possible.”Chris V.“I am feeling much better. I’ve been talking to Lisa a lot about coming down to visit her. I am really thankful you’ve helped me in my troublesome times, and all you’ve done for me. I really hope that when I leave here we can stay in touch with each other. I’m doing good. I can’t even believe it. I will miss my times coming to see you, and whenever I’m down I will think about your resolution of how to get better. I’m 15 now, and I’m starting to learn how to do things for myself which is good. My mom is teaching me to pick up after myself and take responsibility for myself, and I really can’t wait ‘ til I can do everything for myself. I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”Lisa L.“To Dr. J ... You gave me the courage to love myself again; and in so doing, love someone else. I will always be grateful to God and to you. I will always know that He brought us together as doctor and patient. It was part of His divine plan. You have our gratitude! ”Cheryl K.“You excel at setting trapped souls free.”Jonathan S.“Thank you for everything you have done for me throughout the years. You are far more than my therapist or my friend. You are one of the few people who have made a positive impact in my life. You have helped guide me through unbearable times. I can say without you in my life I might not be here anymore, and I will be forever grateful for all that you have done. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Dear Dr. Jacobson,

Until about ten or possibly fifteen minutes after I woke up the day after my graduation I had not yet truly thought about all of what graduation means to me nor had I fully realized the possibilities I have regarding my future, but most sadly I had not taken the time or thought that I had the capability to realize and appreciate the fact that people care about me the way that they do. Normally the thought of people caring and thinking highly of me makes me uncomfortable to the point of nearly cringing. I have always known the reasoning for this which is because in my mind I end up hurting the people that care about me and disappointing those who think highly of me. There are many times where I wish that people would stop caring about me completely or even better just completely disregard the fact that I exist. That isn’t to say that I don’t care about the people who care for me. That is really part of the reason why I sometimes think the things that I do. Sometimes in my mind I simply care too much. Having said that one would think that that would cause me to be extremely uncomfortable at something such as a graduation, but for the most part I was just as detached and in some ways oblivious as ever. There were times where I could sense or see how meaningful the event was to some people and it was more than obvious that people cared, but I couldn’t feel much of anything even though I knew I should. It wasn’t until today that when I took a look at the books that you gave me and read the messages that you took the time to write in each one that I started to feel something again. Reading the titles and personal notes seemed to release a significant amount of repressed emotions. The fact that you genuinely care and think highly of me became more obvious than ever and surprisingly something such as that that would normally make me uncomfortable was welcomed and both truly beautiful and meaningful to me. There is no way that I can thank you for everything that you have done and you should know that even when I am detached and distant the fact that I love and care about you is always present. Out of everyone that was at my graduation your presence as well as Mrs. H’s meant the most to me. Thank you.”Cindy H.“Dear Dr. Jacobson, Our son, Timmy H., has been a recent patient of your’s. We have taken Tim to therapy since he was 5 years old to age 21. He is now 27 years old. He has had some fine psychologists, particularly Dr. W. Since your therapy began there has been a significant, positive, noticeable change in Timmy. He always tells me about his sessions, and has shown me notes you gave him to help him. I was extra, extra late with our Sunday visit. Tim was calm, glad to see me. No scenes nor blame for his roommate. Dr. Jacobson - my husband is the litmus test. He took Tim to the circus, and they discussed what Tim could have. The circus always falls around his birthday, and he loves to go. He wanted cotton candy or something, and his dad said “no, you’ve had enough.” Normally this refusal would begin endless whining, pleading, demanding, even crying. My husband said Tim said “ok dad, no cotton candy.” This is a remarkable, new behavior from Tim. We attribute it to your skill. Thank you. Tim can realize his potential with your help.”Karen K.“Dear Dr. Jacobson, Thank you sincerely for the many ways in which you help our students! You truly “make a difference,” and we are forever grateful. We send warm holiday wishes to you and your family.”Marietta A.“To my friend and helper in all things ... so happy to see you again. I got you this movie because I thought it was great - so many twists and turns but so many lessons in it! Ron, you will go far in your work because you have so much feeling for people and their needs. My heart is with you. Go for all you can and stay you!”Josh M.“Hey Ron, I am going to Alabama! Interview was today, everything went well, and I am scheduled to start the 24th of October. Thank you very much for all your help in these past months. Every time I came into your office I gained strength that I carried with me for days. And now I am on my way to be with friends and work a job I know I can kick butt at! Not to mention I will have time plus the freedom of thought to really plan my future. Without your help I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you very much!”Kerry B.“Dear Dr. Jacobson, I am writing you this card to tell you how grateful I am you are in my life. That last session was the core issues that I have had my whole life. You are the only therapist I have been to that actually showed compassion for these events. You actually gave me a new perspective of my father which I have never considered before. You are slowly changing my life for the better and for that I can never thank you enough. I feel as though you are in a sense showing me who I really am. I see how you help so many others with their lives. You truly are using your gift. I have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for what you do. I feel so lucky to have Karey as the friend who kept urging me to come and see you. I am so very glad that I did!”Robin and Lonnie V.“Dear Ron, Thanks so much for being there for Lon and I and our family this year. We don’t know what we would have done without you. You’re someone we can trust and that means so much. We are very grateful for your care, concern, and listening ears, knowledge, and ideas. Even though it’s obvious, you’ve mentioned how much you love your son. We weren’t sure what an appropriate gift to you would be. We decided to give something to someone you love since you've given so much to those we love - each other.”Joseph L.“Ron, I could not have survived this without your help. I have had generally poor experiences and results with counselors in the past. To be quite frank with you, some of them have been quacks. I can only thank God that you were there for me and my son. Your wisdom, ability to listen and counsel is remarkable. You truly help my entire family, and I appreciate it.”Jennifer S.“Ron, This is post Christmas but we are still in the season. As the new year approaches, I wish you Peace. So many things can be right or wrong but peace is so important. There are two places in the Bible where the following verse resides: “Turn from evil and do good, seek peace, and pursue.” Seeking peace is active and that is the journey I am beginning. Thank you for riding the roller coaster with me in 2008. I hope it is more peaceful this year. I know you mean a lot to a lot of people, it’s your calling, but I’m not going to minimize my feeling with that thought. You will forever be embossed upon my head and heart - a place reserved for the specialist of special. Cheers to you in 2009.”Adriana V.“Ron, I wanted to say a special thanks to you! I remember the words to a saying, no exact, but enough to know who should be in my life. It was something about a therapist ... about people going on a journey with you. I opened this ride/journey up to all my friends and people I know and was surprised to see how many people jumped on and have taken this ride with me! You have held my hand and pointed me in the right direction - and I love it!”Lorraine T.“Ron, There are those whose lives affect all others around them, quietly touching one heart who, in turn, touches another ... reaching out to ends further than they would ever know ... leaving all of us a little richer than we were before.

You are a wonderful instrument the entire world should learn to play. Thank you from the people who hear your song.